Finance minister presents Albania’s 2027 draft budget to parliamentary leaders
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj presented Albania’s 2027 draft state budget and fiscal package at the Assembly’s Conference of Chairpersons. The meeting is expected to set the timetable for parliamentary discussions and approval. The Democratic Party did not attend, saying its lawmakers had not received the supporting documents needed to review …
Albania’s 2027 budget doubles pension bonuses and disability payments for children
Albania’s 2027 draft budget will double monthly pension bonuses from January 1, while increasing support for children with disabilities and families in need. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj presented the measures at the Conference of Chairpersons. Pension indexing is scheduled for April 2027, with around ALL 1.35 billion allocated for the …
Equinoxe Europe Brings International Screenwriting Experts to Albania
Durrës has become a meeting point for screenwriters and filmmakers from across Europe, as Albania hosts the international Equinoxe script development programme for the first time. The National Center of Cinematography said the programme has more than 30 years of experience in developing film scripts through professional guidance and collaboration …
Korça attracts autumn tourists as New Year bookings begin
Korça continues to welcome groups of foreign tourists in autumn, with its traditions, local cuisine and hospitality drawing visitors from Albania and abroad. Tourists are visiting the city’s main attractions and exploring its streets. Tour operator Eriketa Koçollari said foreign groups from around the world continued to visit the city …
Qatari-backed partnership targets $2 billion in investments in Albania and Kosova
Strategic Group and Qatar-based Ocean B Holding have signed a strategic cooperation framework targeting up to $2 billion in investments in Kosova and Albania. Under the agreement, Ocean B Holding has authorised Strategic Group to represent its investment interests across the region. The mandate also covers Montenegro, North Macedonia and …
Albania allocates ALL 76.7 billion for defence, 2.35% of gross domestic product
Albania plans to allocate ALL 76.7 billion to the Ministry of Defence in 2027, including ALL 7 billion in additional funding. The allocation will bring defence spending to 2.35% of gross domestic product, reflecting Albania’s commitments as a NATO member. Presenting the 2027 draft budget at the Conference of Chairpersons, …
2027 fiscal package raises dividend tax and cuts value-added tax on basic goods
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj presented the 2027 fiscal package at the Conference of Chairpersons. He said the proposed changes would have a neutral overall effect. The package aims to redistribute income and protect vulnerable groups and the middle class. The plan rests on 3 principles: income redistribution, greater tax fairness …
Bonuses for Albanian Police on Protest Frontlines Spur Calls for Accountability
Security experts say Prime Minister Edi Rama has crossed a line in gifting police officers a 2,500-euro bonus for facing down protesters against his rule. Original post Here
Albanian Customs Strengthen Regional Cooperation Against Cross-Border Crime
The Albanian Customs Administration is strengthening regional cooperation to fight cross-border crime. It works with international authorities through the Southeast European Law Enforcement Center (SELEC), sharing information and coordinating operations. The administration also supports joint efforts to improve regional security. As part of this work, it reports information on seizures …
Lungomare 3 Transforms Radhimë, Boosting Vlora’s Tourism Potential
The Lungomare 3 project is transforming Radhimë and expanding Vlora’s potential for quality tourism. The investment has upgraded coastal infrastructure and created modern public spaces for residents and visitors. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared new footage of Radhimë, highlighting the ongoing urban transformation along the Vlora coast. The new promenade …
Investor confidence, legal certainty and stronger institutions remain essential to attracting sustainable foreign investment. Experts discussed these challenges at the “Investing in Albania and the Western Balkans” panel on November 4, during the 32nd Tirana International Fair. Sara Zotaj of the Albanian Investment Development Agency highlighted the country’s geographic position, …
President Bajram Begaj received the European Commission’s 2026 progress report on Albania from European Union Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa on Thursday. Begaj described the report as evidence of Albania’s progress towards European Union membership. He thanked the European Commission for its continued support and commitment to enlargement in the …
Albania is showcasing its culture, traditions and digital innovation at the World Travel Market London 2026, held from November 3 to 5 at ExCeL London in the United Kingdom. Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared images of the Albanian stand, which brings together tourism, handicrafts, gastronomy and digital experiences. The …
Kosova’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti has urged the European Union to grant the country candidate status and launch membership negotiations as soon as possible. Speaking after the European Commission presented its 2026 report on Kosova, Kurti said EU integration remained a long-term strategic priority. He stressed that the process enjoyed …
Prime Minister Edi Rama met European Union Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa on Thursday. The ambassador handed him the European Commission’s progress report on Albania. Following the meeting, Rama and Ambassador De Sousa are expected to hold a press conference on the report’s achievements and milestones on Albania’s path towards …
Democratic Party MP Jorida Tabaku says the European Commission’s latest progress report on Albania confirms opposition concerns over EU integration, the rule of law and democracy. Speaking at a press conference in parliament, Tabaku said citizens had protested peacefully for more than 150 days against a system that had impoverished …
Prime Minister Edi Rama and EU Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa presented the European Commission’s 2026 progress report on Albania at a joint press conference on Thursday. Rama said Albania had entered the final stretch of accession negotiations. He cited significant progress in at least 20 negotiating chapters and described …
A vibrant new mural dedicated to the women who have worked over the decades at the Central State Film Archive (AQSHF) now graces the Art Park in Tirana. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sports completed the artistic project in collaboration with the Central State Film Archive. Consequently, the artwork …
Albania will play their final Group C1 match in League C of the UEFA Nations League against Belarus on November 15 at the Illovszky Rudolf Stadium in Budapest, Hungary. The match will take place without spectators due to UEFA sanctions against Belarus. Under a decision adopted by the UEFA Executive …
The Transparency Board has set new maximum wholesale and retail fuel prices following the declaration of a special situation in the hydrocarbon market. Retail diesel prices must not exceed ALL 210 per litre, while wholesale prices must remain below ALL 198. Retail petrol prices must not exceed ALL 169 per …